This Christmas morning, half of the people waking up in our 65 refuges across the country will be children. Some of them will have arrived just days before with only the clothes on their back.
Yet this will also be their first Christmas where children and their mum can simply be together, without constant fear.
This winter, you could buy a child in a refuge their first present to go under the Christmas tree – or even the tree itself, perhaps the first tree they’ve ever been allowed. And for their mum, there’ll be a gift that allows her to remember who she is and that she’s now safe.
When you give to Refuge this Christmas, you’ll help make this a Christmas they want to remember.
Here’s how you can help:
Buy a Refuge parcel
From a safe night’s sleep in a refuge to a festive feast, refuge parcels help make sure every woman and child fleeing abuse can have their first Christmas of freedom. Buy a refuge parcel on behalf of a loved one, and you can send them a personalised ecard.
Buy a gift for a mum or child in a refuge
Help buy toys so a child in a refuge can get happily lost in play for the first time in a long time, or a new jumper or lipstick for their mum — so she can find a little piece of herself again.
Send a message of support to a woman in a refuge
This winter could be a time of anxiety for many in our refuges, as they face the reality of having to start again. Write a message of support to a woman and her children staying in one of our refuges, and help them to feel empowered and supported.
Celebrate in memory of a loved one
With Christmas right around the corner we’ve partnered with the world star register so that you can dedicate a name to a real star in the night sky in memory of a loved one.
All you have to do is donate to Refuge and help us support women and their children who urgently need our support this Christmas.
We suggest a minimum donation of £52 per star which will ensure we can continue to be there for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse this holiday season whilst making a perfect gift for your loved ones or yourself.
If you are interested in other ways you can remember and celebrate the life of a loved one you can check out our in memory page here.
If you need any support we are here for you. You can reach us on inmemory@refuge.org.uk.
